Addictive chemistry of supporting…I mean main leads

After growing up with love stories of Mary Sue’s heroine being saved by Domineering CEO’s, many rom coms and comics start having “villain” characters being the leads.

And it works. Somehow, it’s always entertaining to watch old fashion troupes being “mocked” at.

In Night of Love with You, our story begins when Qiqi realised that she mistakenly took on the female lead role in a new comic story. Left without any way to contact her comic center supervisor, she tried to move the plot along so the story can restart.

First things first, I particularly have a soft spot for transmigration characters because the characters would typically be smarter or more unapologetically cunning. Qiqi fits the bill of the type of character I like - her monologues on some of the old fashioned moments she’s forced to go through as the “female lead” are funny. Another entertaining thing about transmigration stories are the “fish out of water” moments, especially in the beginning of the stories when the main leads are adapting to a new world. I am able to accept that they’re over-the-top actions or slight arrogance because these characters think they are different anyways. Kudos if the execution of these weird moments are done in a way that humble back the leads - like how Qiqi thought she knew how things work, but eventually realised she was not invincible with her “knowledge”.

Second, the chemistry between her and Leng Yehan is great. While their dynamic is one of the classic romance couples of all, the bickering couple, the chemistry of the actor and actress is there. They challenge each other, they keep up with each other, and they kiss. What’s not to like.

Lastly, the production team made the right decision by making this a short length drama. This makes it easier for me to close 1.5 eyes on the logic plot holes that weren’t addressed - which is mainly the rules of this comic world work.

Hence, for those who are (1) looking for an entertaining short rom com, (2) characters with wit, and (3) bickering couples with chemistry, have your night with Night of Love With You.

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Numbers don’t lie, or do they?

3530.
3530 of discrepancy in tax payment that should be shared with 7 other districts.
3530 tax payment error meets with an autistics mathematical genius that’s obsessed with accuracy, and boom, we have our story.

As Shuai Jiamo brings his appeal on the case to the court, he is met with various obstacles and attempt of murders on his life. That’s because once tax and other districts are involved, we have interest of people to consider.

What makes this story engaging for me is the multi-faceted magistrates that come into the story. I love the honest (one-sided) discussion they had with Shuai Jiamo on why they could not support his appeal even if they think he is right simply because they have their people’s interest to protect. And ironically, they only share their true stance with Shuai Jiamo because they know he only care about numbers, and not the complex burden of human desires.

Addition of Chen Renqing veiled moral principles to the mix further add colors to a supposedly dry story.

Despite my enjoyment of Under the Microscope, I recognise this isn’t a show for everyone. This is a show, microscopically for people who have interest in politics, psychology, math, finance system, and history.

I’d also recommend watching this 14-episode in one go. There are many informations and facts to take note after all.
- How does Shuai Jiamo proof that his district had overpaid 3530 tax amount for over 100 years?
- Why and how 3530 tax error draws the interest of a local tyrant?
- How does it links with the death of Shuai Jiamo’s parents 20 years ago?

Still following? Have fun with Under the Microscope.

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A detective fan favourite series

Girlfriend died of drowning in a room devoid of water. Few years later, encountered a mysterious key that can unlock doors to anywhere one wishes, and perhaps the answer to the unresolved case from the past. That's where our story, the Record of Strange Things begins.

Depending on the type of audience you are, this setup may or may not sound interesting. As a Chinese drama fan, RoST is a unique category of its own where users in modern world can leverage on supernatural objects. Thus, it's worth exploring just based on this point.

As an old school detective fans, this is the basic setup of every other detective teams' new adventure to a strange world. Indeed, the plot structure is nothing original. After the necessary introduction of our main characters, the remaining episodes are structured into a few arcs with the same formula. Each arc is centered on a strange object and key characters relating to this case. While the arcs can be watched as standalone case on its own, they are related. Resolution of each arc gets our characters closer to the climax and finale of this RoST season.

Sounds troupe-y and Conan-ish? Yes, but old school detective fan favourite would buy this setup for RoST is a detective story done right. RoST has lovely characters, fascinating twist and turns of story arcs as well as consistent, tight logic of overarching plot.

One, we have the coming together of these unlikely quartet that's lovable.

At the beginning, they are forced to work together by circumstances and coincidences. They continue to work together because they have strengths that complement each other which make 1 plus 3 more than 4. What's great about this quartet is we truly see a believable friendship journey. From the start of distrust to enjoying each other's company to being a formidable team, we can feel each stage of progression and dynamics between them that's playful and enjoyable to watch. It makes us like them, as characters, and as 1 team.

Beyond these 4 main characters, the supporting characters and / or villains (it's a matter of perspectives) have their own motivations, personalities and brains.

No actions, inconsistent with characters' respective motivations.
No moments of unnecessary fillers.
No surprises, convoluted to the point that they do not make sense.
No opponents who are dumbed down to make our main characters "shine in comparison."

Special mention to Zhi Wei, a high ranked officer from the opposing organisation. Yes, he is that annoying villain-ish fella that somehow grows on the audience, unsuspectingly. Think of him as RoST version of Loki. Beyond Zhi Wei, RoST has smart opponents who do things that make sense and actually pose real challenge to our main characters - how lovely.

Two, we have intriguing story arcs that will keep audiences locked on the screen to find out what's happening next. The beginning is a little slow with the necessary setup and introduction. But once it gets past that, every moment matters. Just when we thought we have the plot figured out, we will be thrown off track with surprises that makes sense when it's revealed - how fascinating.

Three, we have well thought-out logic and consistent story plot through and through. The buildup of each moment is done well. The rules of how each objecr works are watertight and well used by the owners. As such, we are given satisfying face-off between the characters - some arcs more polished than the other, but all passable nonetheless. At the very least, none of them would make us go - "huh, but why would you do that?" What's more, the story is well injected with humor to balance off the tension that comes with a mystery show involving supernatural objects - how wonderful.

With all these coming together, the lackluster production quality and poor acting of some actors in RoST are forgivable. It's a show that was completed in 2016. It's from a production team that was tight on resources.

To sum it up, RoST is a story about the coming together of a group of 4, aided by strange objects that give users superpower. While we aren't sure if we will ever see the light of season 2 and the resolution of some setups, RoST is a love letter to detective fans, made by a production team who has equal love to this genre.

Give it a try and some time - perhaps it might grow on you. At least it didn't have 1000++ episodes like Conan.

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Fast paced storyline that swerved after two-thirds

I really enjoyed the first two thirds of the story. As another reviewer, ChineseDramaFan puts it, this story is segmented nicely into 3 parts - 1st part of meet-cute where both leads mutually hated each other, 2nd part of warming up and getting to know each other; and 3rd part of falling in love and fighting together.

Having a modern lady ahead of the time she was born, Qiu Yan is an admirable woman who work smartly and persistently to never let fate dictates her. Matching her wit and determination is Liang Yi who is ambitious and steadfast in making hard decisions in his quest for justice (as well as his personal revenge). The overlay of their romance story is investigations and suspense. However, since it's a predominantly romance first, then suspense second, there are quite the loopholes for the mystery cases. Despite the flaws though, I truly enjoyed the interactions, chemistry, and romance developments of the leads.

Thanks to the fast pacing, there weren't too much time to delve into the flaws before we will be rewarded with humorous "battle of wits" between Liang Yi and Qiu Yan. Their romance progress was also not the typical plots you'd see in other idol shows. One typical example is how we would expect the male lead to save the female lead when she is in trouble. However, the "how part" of Liang Yi saving Qiu Yan is rather unexpected and entertaining to watch. I also love their relationship dynamic. They both listen to each other, sarcasm and all, and respect each other. They are each other's equals, and surely an ideal relationship if there weren't so many external dramas thrown in their way.

The other part that makes this show good is the ideology of what Qiu Yan represents. She has a few memorable quotes in the story on woman's intention and seduction as well as how she continues to wish to be woman in her next life or next next life - having faith in the progress of woman's rights. I love it - Qiu Yan is not all talk and blame, unlike the contrast which Qiu Min's character portrays in the story. This is empowering, and a good message for other female audience.

However, once the story reaches towards the end, I find it becoming too convoluted. It's not even about the not-so-strong mystery cases anymore. While the big bad reveal is kinda surprisingly, I did not find myself really enjoying the latter one third of the show. Some of the character motivations are also puzzling and difficult to overlook the logic flaws.

Still, I'd recommend to watch this drama. The enjoyable parts of The Autumn Ballad are truly enjoyable, and to a certain extent, the main characters are inspiring. So have fun with this drama, until it's not.

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Relationship comes in many forms, we make our own ideal

This is by far the best season - and if I wasn't Ada Choi's fan prior, I definitely am now. She is absolutely hilarious and the kind of friend you want in any groups. Her EQ and tact are comforting and reassuring, it helps to warm up everyone quickly. I also love Zhang Jin's sense of humor that's more apparent as he warms up more to the other husband's in latter's episodes.

The other couples are also adorable. The thing about relationships, all couples have their own way of relating to each other and expressing their love. I enjoy watching
- Lang Lang's and Gina's idol love story,
- Sha Yi's and Hu Ke's 老夫老妻 (old husband, old wife) dynamics,
- Yuan Hong's and Zhang Xinyi's oddball expression of love towards each other (more YH than ZXY),
- Zhang Jin's and Ada's playful interactions with each other. Hearing the both of them recounting their love story, one from the wife's perspective, another from the husband's narrative is entertaining. He is also by far the most creative when it comes to providing gifts to his wife, invoking a lot of laughter and responses from the already hilarious Ada. How can we not love this couple?

Credits to the production team for their edits and the sound effects. It makes the travel looks so fun, the group dynamics and interaction so hilarious to watch.

Love love love this season. 🥰

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Puzzle pieces assembled right in a detective show

Many have talked about how underrated this detective show is, and it's rightfully so. It has been awhile since one could find such compact detective story plot in recent years. So if you are a fan of this genre, you should definitely check out The Imperial Coroner.

At the heart of it, the setup of this show is straightforward. As the title of the show suggest, our main character is a coroner - an aspiring female coroner who heads to the capital to get certified as an imperial coroner. Not many people think much about the coroner profession; and it is definitely not a profession, most if not all, females would aspire to be in ancient times. Which is where the first interesting element for The Imperial Coroner comes in - and shines.

Armed with a dream, solid skill, and earnest determination, Chu Chu manages to impress Prince An, Xiao Jinyu, who heads the Three Judicial Office during the coroner exam, which thus begin her coroner journey. Together, they work together to uncover mysteries involving murders, counterfeits, their own background and court power struggles. In a story about aspiring female coroner in ancient times, it's easy to typecast Chu Chu as Mary Sue; so I am glad the production team didn't go down this route. Coming from a backwater village, Chu Chu may be naïve, but she is not dumb. She looks up to Jinyu and greatly admires him as she grows to love him, but pulls her own weight to the mysteries with her competence and capability. Her relationship build up with Jinyu is believable and sweet to watch in the midst of crime-solving and compact plot-driven story.

Another two key elements which earns The Imperial Coroner the underrated drama of 2021 by critics and audience alike are the mystery plot and the team's dynamics. First, each arc is linked to the other - like solving a puzzle. While each piece tells a story on its own, assembling the pieces and connecting them one by one leads to the complete picture. There's nothing better than solid interconnected mysteries to drive the story forward in a detective genre show.

Next, the team's dynamics. This is an important element in any show, more so in detective stories. After all, it is the narrative of the characters that engages the audience to follow through the plots through each crime scene until the picture is assembled. Keyword here: engage. The production team really does this part justice. One of the fan favorites are the reenactment of crimes by Chu Chu and Jinyu. It's a refreshing way to visualize how the murders are done without losing us or dumbing the villain...well, except for one, but it's okay, The Imperial Coroner still does a great job overall.

I also like Jing Yi, Leng Yue and Jin Li who are the core supporting characters of this team. While the main brains of the mystery-solving is Jinyu's intellect and Chu Chu's coroner's capability, they do pull their own weight and bring something to the table - whether it is brawns or network or witty lines.

I believe this is a show that will gain its waves of delightful appreciation from time to time as new audience uncovers this diamond in the rough. Look forward to see more works from the screenwriters (Imperial Coroner is their first work!) and the budding cast.

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Finding your own answer as a doctor

This is a sequel of Dr. Romantic. One doesn't have to watch Dr. Romantic to follow and like this series, though it would certainly help. Teacher Kim and most of the supporting cast came back to reprise their roles. The newly added ones are our newly identified mentees of Teacher Kim in this season, Dr. Seo (portrayed by Ahn Hyo Seop) and Dr. Cha (portrayed by Lee Sung Kyung) as well as a hospital director Dr. Park.

Perhaps because of my bias towards both main actor and actress, I am more invested in this season's story than Dr. Romantic 1. Dr. Seo is a talented general surgeon who is strapped for money. Dr. Cha is a hardworking cardiothoracic surgery whose only, but vital, struggle is getting pass her panic disorder at the operating theatre. Both of them are transferred from the HQ to Doldam Hospital due to respective circumstances (as well as the influence of Teacher Kim), and thus began the journey of these 2 doctors on understanding what "Romantic" at Doldam means.

What I like better than its first counterpart is the chemistry and romance development of the main couple doctors, Dr. Seo and Dr. Cha. Both of them have been rivals since school days - Dr. Seo has always liked Dr. Cha all this while, but respectful and patient with the boundary set by Dr. Cha. He takes care of her in his own subtle way, while she stands up for him when no one will. I like this kind of comradery couple.

Another character introduced in the story is Dr. Park, who became the director of Doldam Hospital. He had a slightly obsessed, one-sided rivalry with Teacher Kim that I could not completely relate to, but his character arc and development is still enjoyable to watch. It depicts the story of someone who is held prison by his own mind, and the moment of seeing him freeing himself from it makes me cheer for Dr. Park.

The one key thing that will always be the highlight and strength of this show is the patient's stories. As the complex backstory of Teacher Kim was mostly fleshed out in Dr. Romantic 1, I feel that this sequel is able to focus more on the patient's case and narrative arc.

With these, I really enjoyed Dr. Romantic 2 and hope that if they do another sequel, Dr. Seo and Dr. Cha would both be back, pretty please?

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Different types of sweet love

This is a story that is about romance as much as it is about friendship. We have classic setup of 3 best friends with different personalities, and their respective pairing. The couples are
1) The typical 傻白甜 (silly, innocent, sweet) librarian Zeng Li paired with the straight laced and serious dentist Ai Jing Chu
2) Boyish Dr. Wu Ying with a 6 years younger university student Liu Yu Cheng
3) Influencer, sexy Ma Yi Yi on an off-on relationship / chemistry with entrepreneur playboy Deng Hao Ran

The story explores 3 different types of relationship pairing dynamics, as well as the friendship that the characters build and share with each other. There isn't anything novel about the plot or script - in fact, the classic meet-cute between Zeng Li and Ai Jing Chu is like your everyday rom-com scene. Nothing you have not watched before if you are a veteran in the rom-com genre.

What makes this series a slight cut above the other rom-com I watch is the friendship that 3 ladies share, as well as the exploration of 3 types of different pairings in 1 story. The acting of the leads are good too, considering the cast veer on the younger side.

Although, if I am allowed to nitpick one thing, it would be the title of this series. This series is original adaptation from a novel named "A Speck Amid the Dust of the World". I don't know what makes the production team decide on the name Sweet Teeth for the drama adaptation of it. Primarily because to me, the teeth and main lead's occupation as Dentist were only plot devices for Zeng Li and Ai Jing Chu to meet and get to know each other. As the story progresses, I barely even remember Zeng Li was forced to get braces or that Ai Jing Chu is a dentist.

The real message that I feel this story wants to portray is - in this vast world, my life becomes meaningful after I met you. And they (cast and production team) did well.

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Common setup with fresh element

This drama has a generic setup in wuxia, romance genres - Su Ci, a high-level investigator who disguises as a man, and Prince Qi, a military prince who disguises as a wealthy aristocrats as Pei Zhao meets on a chance encounter. Together with friends of different skillsets (a medic, a swordsman, and an all-in-one attendant), they form a fast friendship and great investigation team. Each case, though seemingly distinct, somehow leads them to getting tangled with the present brewing court struggles as well as to uncovering clues to redressing past injustices.

It may be an overused plot, but this drama interestingly strips away the angsts and misunderstandings between the main leads that tend to run a couple of episodes in other dramas. Su Ci is observant, collected and upright, Pei Zhao is strategic, patient and decisive. From their first encounter, we know that fate will bound them together and make them fall for each other, hard, despite the disguises and troubled pasts. It's pleasant to watch Su Ci and Pei Zhao budding and growing relationship - Pei Zhao is unwavering and unbashful in expressing his adoration towards Su Ci, Su Ci is supportive and honest with her feelings (most of the time) towards Pei Zhao. Any "rival" arcs introduced in the stories - if they are considered as rivals at all - are resolved rather quickly. In fact, I personally rather like the princess from Bei Rong, who is outspoken with her thoughts. Love this healthy dynamics and matured approach to relationship. ^^

And of course, the steamy and sweet moments between Su Ci and Pei Zhao are not to be missed. The actor and actress really do make you believe that they love each other - after the main leads confirm their relationship for each other in the later parts of the drama, Su Ci and Pei Zhao are generally never more than 2 steps apart if they are in the same frame! Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but point is, the main couple has great and lovely chemistry together. The second couple's story is fun to watch as well.

Apart from the main leads, Pei Zhao's good relationship with his brother, the emperor, is also a fresh of breathe air. And also, who would forget our adorable Fei Yuan? He is definitely more than an attendant to Pei Zhao, and contributes to many comedic moments in the show, along with our Xie daxia.

Fans of detective stories, however, may prefer to check out other series instead. This drama focuses more on the relationship dynamics between the main leads and the eventual showdown with the main villain. Crime solving is only part of the plots that move the story along - they are not weak on its own, but nothing too tricky or memorable about them either.

All in all, I enjoyed myself - if you are looking for an uncomplicated drama which brings some fresh elements to a common plot and great dynamics between the main casts, do give this show a chance.

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Only we can decide how we want to live and love

“The first time I truly felt happy is when I knew I have the ability to love my family. Even when I am disabled, it didn’t stop me from providing for them.” Zhuang Jie

~~~~

Zhuang Jie was like any other lady. In fact, she was more charming and chic than your girl next door. Except she had a disability - she lost a leg and her father from a bad accident during her teens.

This trip back to Nanjing was to recuperate from her surgery. She never planned to stay for long. Until she met Chen Maidong, her crush from high school.

Chen Maidong was like any other guy. In fact, he … really was like any other guy. With a granny that worried for his singlehood and aloofness about marriage. With a job at funeral line he held a little more dearly because of his past.

He never planned for his life to be different. Until he met Zhuang Jie.

Will Love in Spring could be a typical romantic contemporary story. What made it stood out and great was firstly, perfect casting choice.

Zhou Yu Tong and Li Xian chemistry as the main leads are on fire! How I love watching romance between adults. Their pull and push. Their fights and getting back together. Their kiss scenes. Purfect!

The supporting characters were great too. Each of them have their personalities which made them memorable and relatable. They aren’t only tools who push the plot forward. Their interactions with the leads and each other give more color and warmth to WLiS and the Nanping town.

First mention is Granny Chen’s and Granny Lin’s friendship - how lovely, being decades of friends. I love the depiction of their friendship which shows from this quote -
“以前是小手拉小手, 一转眼就是老手拉老手.
Last time, we held each other’s small hands, in a blink of an eye, we now hold each other’s old hands.”

The younger representation of equally great friendships were ZJ’s mum / Aunty Wu’s, and of course, ZJ and Wang Xi Xia.

The next mention is the sibling‘s relationship between ZJ, Zhuang Yan and He Niao Niao is another love. This is the kind of siblings we all wish to have. It’s a testament to how successful ZJ’s mum was in bringing them up. I love love their family scenes. Even when ZJ’s mum were scolding and had a more traditional mindset, this is a heartwarming family.

Similarly, Granny Chen and CMD family dynamics is lovely to watch too.

Special mention of Cui Ge and Jisan Goose. They added a lot of humour to WLiS.

With an ensemble like this , everyone one of them made facing all the heavy topics like separations, deaths, long distance relationships, disability, conflicting wants and adulting easier. How lovely and heartwarming.

Next, let’s dive deeper about the main leads love story.

Real and adult are 2 words come to mind.

I seen a lot of comments critiquing ZJ for shamelessly flirting CMD when she didn’t plan to stay long. I judged too - but then again, it’s the kind of judgment that holds a little envy. I envy her boldness of to speak her mind and enjoy the moment. I admire her quick wittedness and willingness to apologise first.

How charming, how attractive and how believable that CMD sunk.

It’s not a bed of roses after they confirmed their feelings for each other. Even when they made blunders and fight, I was satisfied with their resolution.

Some could name ZJ’s and CMD’s relationship toxic. I feel this is how real relationships are like. We stumble. We say things we don’t mean. So long we learn to apologise and we don’t repeat, I think it’s fine.

…well I guess the problem is sometimes we don’t. Thank goodness our leads do in WLiS.

Lastly, funeral makeup artist is no longer an unusual onscreen occupation. With this onscreen job, death is brought up every other episode. If not done well, the empathy for characters who passed away in the story and messages about appreciating life could feel empty and overtly cheesy.

For WLiS, I felt the balance was appropriate. They successfully made me care for the characters, hence, receptive with the subsequent messages that come with each death case that CMD had to handle.

This particular chat he had with someone contemplating suicide touched my heart somewhere. And I hope it reaches you too.

~~~~

“Everyone has times when they are tired of life. The reasons may vary, but the pain will feel the same.

Some family members want to use special coffins, unique urns or expensive headstones to prove the deceased was special.

However, these are all illusions.

Once we die, everyone is the same.
We can only prove how special we are by living well.” Chen Maidong

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Avatar game comes online on screen

The premise of this series is rather simple - Lin Zheng Zheng goes into VR game to rescue her boyfriend, Tu Si Yi who was stuck due to a mishap. However, what makes her rescue mission less simple, and thus a lot of room for laughter, is how her boyfriend has lost his memory and truly believe the VR world is his home. Not only that, he thinks she is his enemy.

I rated this series as high as 7 mostly for its comedic element. However, don't think too critically for a series that doesn't take itself too seriously for the most part. Perhaps because it is a the story centered in a VR world, the plot isn't very consistent. But perhaps also because it is in a VR world, I am able to close one eye on the inconsistency of plot hole. There are also some fillers here and there, which I feel, mostly to callout the cliché troupe of rom-com genre. I start to see a pattern of C-drama series incorporating the "break the 4th wall" narrative lately - while it is something I can appreciate now, I am not sure how I would feel later down the road if it becomes another common plot device.

Chemistry wise, the main leads are alright. They also manage to find a comrade and complementary skillset in their supporting cast - which makes some part of the plot feels like an adventure wuxia series, given the backdrop of ancient "game" world.

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Comedic break-the-4th-wall moments

These days, I somehow love dramas who could break the 4th wall and laugh at its own typical troupes and cliché-ness of romantic dramas. A drama about female scriptwriter being stuck in her own story in parallel historical female centric world? Sounds intriguing for sure, and plenty opportunities to poke a hole or two on the 4th wall.
The thing about breaking 4th wall though, where they were overly done or where they missed the mark, the drama would feel like a try-hard than witty. Not RoTR though – the moments were well executed, illogical and sometimes even crazy as they seem.

Chen Qian Qian, being stuck as a character who was supposed to die in episode 1 in her story, only focused on wanting to survive until “Happily Ever After” so she can go back to her real world. Han Shuo, a calculative and cunning heir with a terminal disease since young, only wanted to get the cure and mine ore from Chen Qian Qian so he can return gloriously to his city and succeed the title. Both have different motives, but both got more than what they asked for, even more so when they fall in love with each other.

Their servants also deserve a highlight – these two have the cutest dialogues, expressions and interactions. A lot of the comedic and perfect execution of break 4th wall moments come from these two and this drama would feel very different without them.

While it was a good ending, it feels like there were some loose ends, perhaps left untied intentionally. Hope season 2 would be here soon!

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Story that doesn’t translate right on screen

I hate to be that person who whines about how dramas fail to live up to its original comics or books. But I really can’t let this review slide because See You in My 19th Life was, is my favorite Webtoon series of all times.

SYiM19L has such an interesting premise. We have Ban Jieum as the female lead who found herself in her trickiest predicament yet - being her own love rival. To be more exact, her 18th reincarnated self was the girl whom Mun Seoha, her love interest, cannot forget. Being someone who can remember all her past 19 lives, would she be able to use her century old wisdom to win Seoha’s heart again?

When I first excitedly tune to the series, I kept telling myself to enjoy my beloved Jieum’s and Seoha’s romance on screen with an open mind. After all, I get that comic storytelling and drama storytelling aren’t exactly alike.

2 episodes in though, I couldn’t help but found myself picking up the webtoon again and put on the comparison lens. After crawling through 5 episodes, my verdict is in, the drama wasn’t appealing enough - even if I were to see it as a separate story.

All in all, the drama version made certain simple plots that already worked well more complex than necessary. I also didn’t enjoy the chemistry between drama version of Jieum and Seoha.

>>>Spoilers alert from here on<<<

1 Changes which weaken the core of what I love about the couple

In the webtoon, Jieum as her 18th reincarnation met Seoha first in the library. Though they didn’t like each other at first, they eventually got to enjoying each other’s company reading books and chitchatting. It was here where Jieum mentioned how she felt more like a 12 year old being around Seoha - and it was an important moment for her considering she had already lived for a century.

Instead of this simplistic meeting in the library and them enjoying each other’s company overtime, their first meetup is changed to the pool, which some element of fate.

Maybe it was trying to add more context to convince us how their love story could transcend 2 lifetimes. Maybe it was trying to add more shared moments that they could use to create that typical dreamy romance vibe that on screen. The pool scene was indeed pretty, but this pretty moment somehow drowned Seoha and Jieum. Added the cliche-y touch, cut away the couple’s unique vibe I love from webtoon. It’s something I appreciate less these days with romance dramas.

Another example of change that didn’t work well for me - was Jieum’s confession to Seoha.

In the webtoon, the confession was simple and pure. Jieum realised she liked Seoha and thought the moment was right to confess. There was an internal monologue shown to us on how Seoha’s actions that day impacted Jieum. It became clear to her that her affection towards Seoha remains romantic in this lifetime as well and thought it was important to confess. So she did. Simple, decisive and clear - like how someone who had lived for 19th life would rightfully do.

In the drama, they made Jieum ran in the rain from her place to Seoha’s (okay she ran to the taxi, then to Seoha’s, in the rain), then babbled to Seoha that she wanted to confess on his birthday because it would made him had a good memory to go by (instead of linking it to Joo Won’s death anniversary). And then, the moment got to predictably get interrupted by a “fake” love rival for a needed tension. I got tired typing this scenario out.

This change diluted the confession.

There were many more scenes like these that dial up the cliche-y moments. But let me move on to my next point.

2. Drama Seoha vs Webtoon Seoha
In the short 5 episodes I watched, I eventually warmed up to Shin Hye Sun’s portrayal of Jieum even when I didn’t like it either, but I sadly can’t say the same for Bo Hyun Ahn’s Seoha.

One of the most fun things about SYiM19L webtoon version was Seoha’s and Jieum’s banters - in particular, Seoha’s reaction to Jieum’s confessions and general remarks. The drama Seoha is too reserved, which dull a lot of the humorous moments I had enjoyed back then when reading the webtoon. The webtoon Seoha wasn’t friendly either, but he had way more reactions to Jieum’s teasing.

Hye Sun’s and Hyun Ahn’s on screen chemistry was also only so so to me. Not enough for me to like them separately from the webtoon version.

3. Jieum’s mystery and the finale
For remaining part episodes, I ended up googled others’ reviews to catch up on the story plot at high level.

If I had disliked the aforementioned changes, I am definitely upset with this one - they made Jieum forget the people in this lifetime too if she wants to break her curse. Whose genius idea is this to add this unnecessary cliche plot? Some critiques already pointed out the loophole on this.

In the webtoon, she simply won’t remember them anymore when she reincarnated in her next life. And this made so much more sense. After all, Jieum’s love story with Seoha happened because she remembered her past 18 reincarnated self. If she needs to forget them in this lifetime, what’s their love story without it anymore?

>>>Spoilers ends<<<

This concludes my review on See You in My 19th Life. It failed to capture the key spirits that made the webtoon version popular and enjoyable. The quirky and sassy female lead, the equally lovable male lead, their humourous and heartwarming love journey as well as the occasional nuggets of wisdoms from someone who has lived for centuries on life - I wasn’t able to see them on screen. While I give the production team a benefit of doubt, it’s hard for me to rate this higher than it is.

There were plus points though. The cinematography is great. The actor and actress are great too, even if I don’t felt convinced by their on screen chemistry. Also if you haven’t read the original webtoon like I did, maybe you will be able to enjoy See You in My 19th Life much better than me, without the bias and all.

I will “see y’all” in my next review.

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Meeting your match

Wonderland of Love (WoL) is a surprising enjoyable ride, following the love story of Li Ni and Cui Lin.

For the review, I will mainly use Cui Lin’s nickname, Ah Ying, when referring to her since this is what Li Ni likes to call her by.

Li Ni’s and Ah Ying’s meet cute began with a fight for food supply and reclaiming of the cities to save the “king” that was being held hostage at capital.

What was intriguing from the get go was the battle of wits between the two of them, who held different armies. Smart and capable as they were, we couldn’t tell who had the upper hand nor who to root for as they competed for the same resources and gain the upper hand.

Li Ni and Ah Ying quickly turned allies when they unwittingly figured they worked more effectively together. The interactions remained fun to follow as they maintained the playful friendly flirtatious rivalry between them. … until the dynamics started to change by episode 16-ish when it seemed like Li Ni became the stronger one, be it from moral code, family power, or affection shown to other.

For the record, I still like Ah Ying a lot. She is one of the cunning, decisive, and likeable female leads that’s hard to come by in an idol drama. The slightly disappointed part to me was the troupe-y plot devices used to create the necessary tension between female and male leads to move the story along.

There were instances I felt that she overused Li Ni’s affection for her and / or she got turned into a weaker party. Was her hidden weapons only used for Li Ni? Where’s the independent cunning female lead we were introduced to at the start? It wasn’t that Ah Ying had the obligations to return Li Ni’s affection the exact same way he was doting her biasedly (on some level) or troupes like obsessive SML cannot be used in stories. It would’ve been nice to see a little more layers in Ah Ying and her development that’s present on Li Ni’s side through their love journey …or maybe I fast forwarded too much to see that side of Ah Ying.

On the other hand though, I recognised that a lot of conflicts they had were realistic and consistent with their characters setup. Li Ni may be loyal, upright and capable - but he is also impulsive and idealistic. Cui Lin is indeed cunning, pragmatic and overbearing - but she is also caring to her loved ones, willing to make the necessary sacrifices for the bigger goal and is resourceful. I guess this made them perfect for each other.

The real pity is the one dimensional supporting characters and slightly draggy plots. With weaker supporting cast, WoL’s story plot were less engaging and felt cliche-ish at some parts. They could’ve totally cut the story to 24 - 26 episodes and it likely would’ve made no difference to the enjoyment of Li Ni’s and Ah Ying’s love story.

Acting wise, I like both Xu Kai’s and Jing Tian’s portrayal of the characters and their chemistry. Believable enough for me to invest in Shi Qi Lang’s and Ah Ying’s romance in WoL. Lovely enough for me to swoon for those romantic moments and ignore the cliche-ness way of showing them on screen.

All in all, WoL is the typical idol drama that has a strong start, which somewhat feel draggy troupey halfpoint, and finishes off with an okay-ish, predictable climax. It’s still an enjoyable drama when one has the right expectations for it.

With both capable leads who are complement to each other in terms of wits and great chemistry, WoL is overall a fun and enjoyable flirtatious idol romance story.

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